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BRIDGING GLOBAL MARKETS: BERNARD SIN ON THREE DECADES AT MKS PAMP AND ASIA’S RISING ROLE IN PRECIOUS METALS

By SBMA

In an industry where reputation is currency and trust takes decades to build, few careers embody the evolution of the global precious metals market quite like Bernard Sin’s. After spending nearly three decades at MKS PAMP’s Geneva headquarters working at the heart of one of the world’s most important financial and precious metals centres, Bernard is now bringing his wealth of experience to Asia as Regional Director for Greater China based in Hong Kong.

His transition reflects the changing centre of gravity in global precious metals markets, where Asia’s growing influence in demand, trading, and innovation is reshaping the industry’s landscape. As the Singapore Bullion Market Association’s newest Management Committee member, Bernard bridges two vital hubs, Hong Kong and Singapore, that together form the backbone of the firm’s Asia-Pacific strategy.

Bernard’s journey offers a unique vantage point on how the precious metals industry has transformed. Throughout these changes, he has remained anchored to principles that transcend market cycles: integrity, precision, and long-term thinking.
In this Leadership Dialogues feature, Bernard shares insights drawn from his extensive career, discussing how Geneva shaped his professional approach, why compliance have become inseparable from commercial success, and how his return to Asia represents both a personal homecoming and a strategic evolution for a truly global organisation.

Q: Can you describe your professional background and career so far?

A: I spent nearly three decades in Geneva, Switzerland, working at MKS PAMP in the global precious metals market. Over this time, MKS PAMP has been central to my professional development. It is an organisation built on trust, precision, and long-term relationships – values that are fundamental to the precious metals industry. My career has evolved alongside the firm’s growth as a leading global player across refining, trading, minting and other precious metals services.

Q: How has the precious metals market evolved during your time at MKS PAMP?

A: The market has changed significantly. When I began, precious metals trading relied on open outcry, personal relationships, and experience-driven judgment. Execution was voice-based and highly relationship-focused. Over time, the industry transitioned to electronic trading platforms, improving efficiency and transparency. More recently, algorithmic and data-driven approaches have become increasingly prominent. Experiencing this evolution at MKS PAMP has provided a comprehensive understanding of market structure, liquidity, and risk management, while reinforcing the importance of governance, accountability, and human oversight.

Q: What did this transition mean for MKS PAMP as an organisation?

A: For MKS PAMP, adapting to these changes required continuous investment in systems, controls, and people. While technology enhanced execution and risk management, it never replaced the firm’s core principles. Maintaining discipline, transparency, and responsibility throughout periods of change has been critical to sustaining trust with clients and partners.

Q: Why was Switzerland, and Geneva in particular, such an important base for your work at MKS PAMP?

A: Switzerland, and Geneva in particular, was the ideal place to build a career with MKS PAMP. Geneva is a crossroads of cultures, finance, and diplomacy, a city where precision matters and reputation is everything. As a global hub for precious metals trading, and finance, it provides access to regulators, financial institutions, logistics networks, and international clients. This environment reinforced the importance of discretion, consistency, and long-term thinking, which are deeply embedded in MKS PAMP’s culture.

Q: How did the Geneva environment shape your professional approach?

A: Geneva encourages a measured, long-term approach. At MKS PAMP, relationships are built carefully and reputation is earned over time. Decisions are taken with a full appreciation of risk and responsibility. This environment reinforced my belief that sustainable success in precious metals depends as much on credibility and reliability as on technical expertise.

Q: How has compliance evolved over your career?

A: Compliance has evolved from a procedural requirement into a core foundation of how MKS PAMP operates. Regulatory expectations have increased significantly, reflecting the complexity and global nature of precious metals supply chains. Strong governance, transparency, and adherence to international standards are essential. Throughout my career, I have supported a culture in which compliance is embedded into everyday decision-making rather than treated as a separate function.

Q: Why is strict compliance particularly important for MKS PAMP?

A: MKS PAMP operates across multiple jurisdictions and markets. Strict compliance protects the integrity of the business, safeguards clients and partners, and underpins long-term trust. In precious metals, reputation is inseparable from success, and strong compliance frameworks are fundamental to maintaining confidence across the value chain.

Q: What led to your decision to relocate from Switzerland to Asia within MKS PAMP?

A: After 29 years in Switzerland, relocating to Asia represents a natural continuation of my role at MKS PAMP. Asia plays an increasingly important role in global precious metals demand, trading, and innovation. The move reflects the region’s strategic importance and the firm’s global footprint. As a Singaporean, it also represents a return to Asia while remaining part of a truly international organization.

Q: What was behind the decision to make Hong Kong MKS PAMP’s regional headquarters?

A: Hong Kong is a major international financial center and a key gateway between global markets and Asia. Being based primarily in Hong Kong allows close engagement with clients, partners, and institutions across the region, while maintaining strong connectivity to global markets. It is a natural hub for regional coordination and market activity.

Q: How do you see the roles of Hong Kong and Singapore within MKS PAMP’s Asia strategy?

A: Hong Kong and Singapore together form complementary hubs for MKS PAMP’s Asia-Pacific presence. Both offer deep financial markets, strong regulatory frameworks, and access to global and regional clients. Their combined strengths in trading, financial services, logistics, and market infrastructure enable seamless coverage, operational resilience, and close proximity to clients across Asia.

Q: How will you work across both hubs in practice?

A: While I will be based primarily in Hong Kong, I will spend significant time engaging with teams and partners in Singapore and across the region. Maintaining close coordination between hubs is essential for consistency, efficiency, and service quality. This collaborative approach reflects how MKS PAMP operates globally – integrated, connected, and client-focused.

Q: How do you see your role evolving in Asia for MKS PAMP?

A: My focus will be on applying experience gained in Geneva to support the firm’s activities in Asia. This includes strengthening client relationships, supporting regional teams, and ensuring that the firm’s standards of integrity, compliance, and responsibility are consistently applied across markets.

Q: How do you balance continuity and change in this transition?

A: This move represents continuity rather than change in direction. The values that define MKS PAMP, integrity, precision, and long-term thinking, remain constant. What changes is the regional context. Bridging Switzerland and Asia, and connecting hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore, is increasingly important for a global firm.

Q: What lessons from your time at MKS PAMP stand out most?

A: The most enduring lesson is that trust is built over time. Markets, technology, and regulations evolve, but credibility and responsibility remain constant. At MKS PAMP, long-term success has always been grounded in reputation and consistency.

Q: How do you view the future of the precious metals market and MKS PAMP’s role within it?

A: The market will continue to evolve, shaped by technology, sustainability, regulations, and shifting global demand. MKS PAMP is well positioned because of its integrated capabilities, strong governance, and commitment to responsible practices. Collaboration across regions and hubs will be essential.

Q: Was there a particular moment in Geneva that reinforced your connection to Singapore and Asia?

A: Yes. One particularly meaningful moment was the opportunity to attend a meeting in Geneva with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Meeting him outside Singapore, in an international setting, was both humbling and inspiring. His clarity of thought, emphasis on integrity, and focus on long-term, inclusive growth resonated strongly with me, especially given my career in an industry where trust and responsibility are paramount.
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Mr Bernard Sin

Regional Director, Greater China
MKS PAMP (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Regional Director of Greater China since 2020, and previously Head of Trading. Bernard joined MKS PAMP as a country representative of Singapore in 1996 and moved to Switzerland in 1997. He holds an MBA in International Business from the European University in Geneva. Prior to joining MKS PAMP, Bernard worked 6 years for Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore and Hong Kong as an FX and Bullion Dealer.

SBMA-Albert-secretariat

Albert Cheng

Chief Executive Officer

Albert Cheng joined the World Gold Council in March 1993 as a Regional Manager, becoming Managing Director, Far East in 2003. He retired at the end of March 2015 and was subsequently named its Advisor. He has also been an International Advisor to the Shanghai Gold Exchange since 2002.

His marketing career began with Dentsu Young & Rubicam, Hong Kong in the early 80’s. He began gold marketing in July 1985 when he joined the Royal Canadian Mint as a Regional Manager for Southeast Asia.

He was appointed honorary CEO of SBMA in November 2015. He is responsible for the success and strategic development of SBMA in partner with the Chairman and the Management Committee. Also, he is responsible for maintaining accountability to and the quality of, the Association’s Membership and the annual Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference (APPMC) as well as representing the interests of the Association in relation to regulators, investors, media and international precious metal markets, and also responsible for all the legal and regulatory aspects of the work of the Association.

SBMA-margare-secretariat

Margaret Wong

BUSINESS DIRECTOR

Margaret Wong, Business Director at SBMA (Singapore Bullion Market Association), brought valuable experience from her previous role at the World Gold Council (WGC). Her tenure at WGC provided her with extensive exposure to the gold community in Singapore and the broader region. This background has been instrumental in establishing strong working relationships within the industry.

Margaret’s role at SBMA encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities. She oversees office management, business support processes, finance, and administrative functions essential for the smooth operation of the team and management committee. Additionally, Margaret handles membership matters, member communications, and addresses public inquiries related to SBMA.

One of Margaret’s key responsibilities is coordinating with the Event Management Company for SBMA’s prestigious annual event, the Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference. This flagship conference plays a crucial role in the industry, making her involvement pivotal in its success.

Described as resourceful and self-motivated, Margaret Wong brings a wealth of skills and experience to her role at SBMA, ensuring efficient operations and effective engagement within the precious metals community in Singapore and beyond.

SBMA Secretariat-Fabian-Lew

Fabian Lew

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Fabian was a Business Development and Marketing Associate before joining SBMA. He graduated from Singapore Management University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

He has joined SBMA since February, 2022.

Ms Crystal Xu

Vice President
TD Securities
Based in Singapore, Crystal has over a decade of experience in the metals market, specializing in trading, structuring, and delivering solutions for institutional and commercial clients across Asia. She leads initiatives spanning both physical and derivative products and plays a central role in advancing TD’s regional metals strategy. With deep expertise in market dynamics and strong cross-functional collaboration, she helps drive business growth, product innovation, and risk-informed decision making across the firm’s Asia-Pacific platform.

SECRETARIAT SBMA Clara-Chang

Clara Chang

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE
Clara Chang joins SBMA as the Marketing & Communications Executive, enriching the team with her extensive experience in content creation, social media management, and digital marketing. Prior to joining SBMA, Clara held the position of Marketing Executive at her previous job. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University at Buffalo, one in International Trade and another in Geographical Information Science. Her core duties will include maintaining the SBMA website, managing the quarterly Crucible newsletter, among other responsibilities.

SECRETARIAT SBMA-Emily-Oh

Emily Oh

OPERATIONS & ADMIN EXECUTIVE
Emily Oh is the Operations & Admin Executive, a seasoned professional who values teamwork and effective communication. She is skilled at adapting to new challenges and takes a proactive and resourceful approach to every task. Before joining SBMA, Emily had experience coordinating international travel arrangements and spearheading community initiatives. Her role at SBMA will be providing operational and administrative support for projects and other matters to the team.

Singapore Bullion Market Association Secretariat-Lee-Jia-Yi

Lee Jia Yi

OPERATIONS & ADMIN EXECUTIVE
Before joining SBMA, Jia Yi worked as an Admin & Reporting Officer in her previous role. She holds a Diploma in Business & Social Enterprise from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Jia Yi is responsible for managing and maintaining physical and digital files in SBMA, supporting invoicing processes, reconciling receivables and payables, coordinating meetings and conferences. Additionally, she will provide support to the team and assist the Business Director in managing the Association’s office operations and general administrative activities.

Ms Pawan Nawawattanasub

Ms Pawan Nawawattanasub

CEO
YLG Bullion Singapore Pte Ltd

Pawan is the CEO of YLG Bullion Singapore and founder of YLG Bullion International. She has almost 40 years of experience in the jewellery industry and established YLG in Thailand in 2003. In 2012, she brought YLG to Singapore. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Thailand Gold Traders Association, the Thailand Futures Exchange’s Arbitration Committee, and the Rotary Bangkok committee. She holds a master’s degree in Political Science.

SBMA-Shaokai-Fan

Mr Shaokai Fan

Head of Asia-Pacific (ex China) and Global Head of Central Banks
World Gold Council
Shaokai Fan is the Global Head of Central Banks at the World Gold Council, responsible for advising governments on gold matters, and enhancing the gold market through engagement, dialogue, and thought leadership. He works directly with central banks and sovereign wealth funds on investment considerations. Prior to this position, Shaokai held multiple roles at Standard Chartered Bank, including Director for Asia Strategic Initiatives and Associate-Director for Public Sector coverage. Shaokai holds a Masters of Public Administration from Columbia University and the London School of Economics, and an undergraduate degree in finance and economics from New York University.

SBMA-Committee-Alan-Liew

Mr Alan Liew

Head of Bullion & Commodities Trading
United Overseas Bank Limited
Alan is Head of Bullion and Commodities Trading for Group Trading in Global Markets, United Overseas Bank (UOB). Alan joined UOB and started the bank’s commodities trading business in 2014, previously he spent eight years in Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) trading both precious and base metals. During his tenure at SCB, he obtained the SGE gold trader licence and was part of the pioneering team for the SGE business and the FX quantitative trading team. Prior to trading, he worked for Monetary Authority of Singapore in the Financial Risk Management Division. He holds a BSc (Hon) in Computer Science at National University of Singapore and a MSc in Financial Engineering at Nanyang Technological University.

SBMA Committee-KL-Yap

Mr KL Yap

General Manager, Singapore Refining Business Unit
Metalor Technologies (Singapore) Pte Ltd
KL YAP is the General Manager of Metalor Technologies (Singapore) Pte Ltd’s Singapore Refining Business Unit. He joined Metalor in 2013, initially in Refining Sales. In 2014, he became Refining Business Unit Manager, leading the development of a new precious metal refinery. KL was Vice Chairman of SBMA from 2017 to 2021, now serving as Chairman. With a degree in business commerce, finance, and marketing, he brings prior experience from refinery and heavy industries.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Vinh-Nguyen

Mr Vinh Nguyen

Head of Precious Metals, Asia
StoneX APAC Pte Ltd

Vinh Nguyen joined StoneX Group in Singapore at the beginning of 2008 and responsible for its APAC precious metals activities since 2019 until now.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Kazuya-Naoki

Mr Kazuya Naoki

Head of Metals, Asia
ICBC Standard Bank Plc, Singapore Branch

Kazuya (Kaz) Naoki is the Head of Metals, Asia of ICBC Standard Bank in Singapore and is responsible for the precious & base metals sales and trading in the region. He joined Standard Bank Plc Tokyo Branch in 2008 and was relocated to its Singapore Branch in 2013 whose controlling stake was acquired by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in 2015. Prior to joining Standard Bank, Kaz spent 11 years focusing on commodity trading and risk management with Mitsui & Co in Tokyo, Sydney and London. Kaz has been serving on the SBMA Management Committee since 2016.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Andrew-Clarke

Mr Andrew Clarke

Head of Brink’s Global Services
Brink’s Global Services Pte Ltd

Andrew Clarke is the Head of BGS (Brink’s Global Services) for Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. He has held various leadership positions throughout his career in secure logistics and risk management with Brink’s, which started in Hong Kong in 2010. Andrew relocated to Singapore in 2018 to expand the precious metals line of business along with Brink’s portfolio of services and industries.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Raman-Walia

Mr Raman Walia

Executive Director, Head of Commodities Sales – APAC
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.

Raman is Executive Director and Head of Commodities Sales, APAC, for J.P. Morgan. He joined JPMorgan in 2008 in New York, moved to Singapore in 2011, and helped expand the precious metals business in the region. Raman has an MBA from Cornell University, and likes to travel in his spare time.

SBMA-Committee-khun nuttapong

Mr Nuttapong Hirunyasiri

CEO
MTS Gold Global Trading Pte Ltd
Nuttapong Hirunyasiri is the CEO of MTS Gold Group, one of Thailand’s top 10 companies and top 3 bullion companies. He started MTS Gold Group’s first overseas office in Singapore and has been expanding the group business internationally. He focuses on product development and innovation for gold investment, with the aim of being a leader in providing the full suite of gold investment services in the ASEAN region.

SBMA-Committee-Nikos

Mr Nikos Kavalis

Managing Director
Metals Focus Singapore Pte Ltd
Nikos Kavalis is a founding partner of Metals Focus. He has over 20 years of experience in precious metals, having previously worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland and GFMS. Since September 2019, Nikos has been based in Singapore, where he also runs the local subsidiary of Metals Focus.